Chat Transcript: Flu Shots

On Oct. 7, 2008 our Live Chat focused on flu shots and the flu season. Read the transcript.

Welcome to the NBC 10 Chatroom. Joining us today is Pat Raymond, RN MPH of the Office of Immunization, the RI Department of Health to talk about the flu season and flu shots. 

NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:8:26):
hello I’m here to answer your questions about the flu
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:8:57):
hello.. i’ve never gotten a flu shot… what are the down sides?

NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:13:51):
Hello soft dog.  The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from the flu.  You should check out the Vaccine Information statement located here which will list any contraindications to the vaccine http://www.immunize.org/vis/2flu.pdf.  Hope this helps

NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:18:11):
Serious reactions to the vaccine are very rare.  Have you received other vaccines in the past?
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:18:56):
a long time ago when before I went to college
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:22:1):
People who are allergic eggs should not be vaccinated or people who have had a serious reaction to a vaccine in the past or with a history of gGuilliam Barre Syndrome.
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:25:13):
ok
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:25:45):
i’m realtively young, but my parents are getting older. do you recommend they get a flu shot
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:26:0):
they are in their late 50s
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:27:2):
Flu vaccination is recommended for anyone who wants to avoid the flu and especially for people 50 and older.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:28:22):
Below is a list of who should receive the flu:
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:28:35):
great can I get you to convince them {smile_smiley}

NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:28:59):
All children 6 months and older and all older adults:
• All children from 6 months through 18 years of age.
• Anyone 50 years of age or older.
Anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza, or
more likely to require medical care:
•Women who will be pregnant during influenza season.
• Anyone with long-term health problems with:
- heart disease - kidney disease - liver disease
- lung disease - metabolic disease, such as diabetes
- asthma - anemia, and other blood disorders
• Anyone a weak immune syste
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:30:46):
long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids
- cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such
as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy) that can lead to
breathing or swallowing problems.
• Anyone 6 months through 18 years of age on long-term
aspirin treatment (they could develop Reye Syndrome
if they got influenza).
• Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care
facilities.
Anyone who lives with or cares for people at high risk for
influenza-related complic
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:31:41):
Health care providers.
• Household contacts and caregivers of children from
birth up to 5 years of age.
• Household contacts and caregivers of
- people 50 years and older, or
- anyone with medical conditions that put them at higher
risk for severe complications from influenza.
Health care providers may also recommend a yearly influenza
vaccination for:
• People who provide essential community services.
• People living in dormitories, correctional facilities, or
under other crowded conditions, to prevent out
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:33:48):
do you need to have insurance to get a flu shot? how much do they cost? can you get them for free?
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:34:18):
I hope this answers your questions.  Good Luck.  Flu clinic locations are on the Department of Health website at http://www.health.ri.gov
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:35:28):
It depends on your insurance.  If you would like to speak to someone on the phones they can give you list of clinics near you and the insurance they accept.
jack says to (2008-10-7 17:42:15):
will there be a shortage of vaccine this year?
kreis says to (2008-10-7 17:42:36):
My daughter is only 10.  Can she get a flu shot?
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:43:19):
great ... thanks for the help
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:43:29):
There is more flu vaccine available than ever before.  There is no shortage anticipated.
softdog says to (2008-10-7 17:43:35):
great ... thanks for the help
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:43:54):
Dear Kreis,
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:44:33):
It is recommended that all children 6months- 18 years should receive the flu vaccine
kreis says to (2008-10-7 17:46:1):
Do we get it from our pediatrician?
jack says to (2008-10-7 17:46:37):
thanks Ms. Raymond, the tips and information you left are very helpful
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:46:45):
Yes-you should contact your pediatrician. for an appointment
jack says to (2008-10-7 17:46:51):
thanks Ms. Raymond, the tips and information you left are very helpful
kreis says to (2008-10-7 17:46:59):
Is it covered under health insurance?
jack says to (2008-10-7 17:48:25):
my uncle is 95 years old, is he too old to get a shot?
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:49:7):
Yes-insurance will cover the shot for children
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:50:0):
You are never to old to get the flu shot.  It is highly recommended for the elderly.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:50:27):
Thank you Jack for contacting the chat line!
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:51:12):
Where can we get a list of upcoming clinics?  OUr family doctor never has them!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:51:59):
See the DOH website at http://www.health.ri.gov
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:52:5):
thank you!
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:52:38):
You can also call the call 10 line right now and they can give you location of a clinic near you.
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:52:52):
What if my son is only 15
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:52:58):
I see the verbiage 19 +
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:53:21):
i did not get the tel #
moderator says (2008-10-7 17:54:58):
Joining us today to chat about flu shots and the flu season is Pat Raymond, RN MPH of the Office of Immunization of the RI Dept of Health
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:55:46):
what is the number to call the live volunteers?
moderator says (2008-10-7 17:56:23):
224 1JAR
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:56:41):
Dear SWH—contact your child’s health care provider.  If he doesn’t have one some of the public clinics are offering vaccine for children.
moderator says (2008-10-7 17:56:48):
Phone number for the live volunteers is 224 - 1 JAR
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:57:5):
Our doctor never has the shots, year after year they claim they run out
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:57:11):
thanks for the info.
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:57:17):
thanks for the info.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 17:59:4):
Dear SWH—there is plenty of vaccine.  Try the Wellness Co at 401-461-0662
SWH says to (2008-10-7 17:59:57):
thank you
kim170 says to (2008-10-7 18:0:12):
hi pat i was wondering can you get the flu alittle when you get the shot?i want to get it this year cause i got it bad last year i work in nursing home.also mother in law is going for cemo should i stay away from her when i get the shot?
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:0:19):
Your welcome.  Thanks you for contacting the chat line.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:0:44):
Dear Kim,
The shot is not a live vaccine so you can not get the flu from the vaccine.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:2:12):
KIm—it is very important for people working in nursing homes to protect themselves and their patients.
kim170 says to (2008-10-7 18:3:15):
some people feel tied and alittle sick they say.oo i know now how sick i got last year
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:3:37):
Oops sorry you can not give the flu to your mother with chemo—in fact you are protecting her during this difficult time
SWH says to (2008-10-7 18:4:35):
I hear of lots of people who say they get the flu but if the vaccine is not live, how can it make you sick?
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:5:1):
Some people do develop flu like symptoms but it is not the flu.  Or you may have been exposed to someone with flu and are associating this with the shot
kim170 says to (2008-10-7 18:5:38):
thank you so much for info pati will get vaccine shot this year
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:6:14):
Remember there are lots of viruses circulating that may mimic flu-like symptoms.
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:7:5):
Dear Kim—I am happy to hear that.  Good luck.  If you have any problem you can call DOH at 1-800-942-7434
kim170 says to (2008-10-7 18:8:18):
thanks i wish they had a shot for the noro virues
NBC 10 Guest says to (2008-10-7 18:9:27):
Me too.  maybe some day.
kim170 says to (2008-10-7 18:10:44):
thanks have a good nite